Light-Assist E-Bikes: Lightweight City Bicycles Reviewed

In 2025, more than 316,000 bicycles or E-Bikes were sold in Switzerland. According to figures from Velosuisse, the E-City Bike category, with support up to 25 km/h, is the best-selling category: over 47,000 bikes (just over 15 percent of the total market) were sold last year in this category.

When purchasing an E-Bike, the intended use (commuting, leisure) is relevant. TCS, together with Velojournal, compared eight Light-Assist E-Bikes, with a maximum price of 5000 Swiss francs. This product category is developed for urban traffic, meaning for rather shorter distances. Bikes lighter than 23 kilograms with a maximum battery of 500 Wh were compared. Motor performance, ride characteristics, safety, handling, and material quality such as lighting were tested.

Light, efficient - but with conflicting goals.

The tested Light-Assist E-Bikes are particularly efficient due to their low weight and somewhat weaker motors and reach ranges of about 35 to 60 kilometers. However, the test shows a clear target conflict: models with high motor power offer more support but consume more energy and achieve lower ranges. Lighter, less powerful bikes are more efficient but reach their limits faster, especially uphill.

Significant differences also appear in handling and safety. Systems with handlebar controls - especially models from Cube and Canyon - perform best. In terms of lighting and brakes, several models achieve good results, while some bikes show limitations in visibility or ease of use.

Mostly good products, a test winner.

The clear test winner is the Cube Nulane Hybrid C:62 Race 400X FE. It combines a low weight with a powerful motor and good ride characteristics. The model also convinces in practice and achieves the best overall rating.

The BIXS District-E1 and the Canyon Citylite:ON are also highly recommended, impressing with solid overall performance. While the Canyon scores with the strongest motor in the test, the Bixs presents a balanced package without notable weaknesses.

In the broader field, the Schindelhauer Emil, the Ampler Curt, and the Cresta e-Largo also perform well. The Schindelhauer offers high comfort and high-quality components. The Ampler scores with its low weight and innovative USB-C charging function. The Cresta convinces with good lighting but achieves the shortest range in the test.

Asfalt and Rose with restrictions.

The Asfalt GT2 also achieves a recommendable rating overall but shows weaknesses in comfort and operation. In particular, the hard saddle was rated as very uncomfortable by the testers. At the end of the ranking is the Rose Sneak-Plus. Despite the best range and lowest weight in the test, the single-speed concept significantly restricts everyday usability, especially in hilly terrain.

For those who primarily travel in the city and enjoy some sporty riding, Light-Assist E-Bikes are a good option. They are not only pleasant to ride but also much easier to carry into the bicycle cellar. However, as the battery cannot be removed in most bikes, a socket is required outside or in the bike cellar for charging.

Press contact:

Vanessa Flack, TCS Spokesperson

Tel. 058 827 34 41

vanessa.flack@tcs.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Touring Club Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzero - TCS